FORT KNOX, Ky. ─ A single command is all it takes for Cadets assigned to 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, to fall into formation as they participate in the Drill and Ceremony Competition during Cadet Summer Training on Fort Knox, Ky., August 3, 2025.

Drill and Ceremony teaches Cadets to move as an orderly unit while instilling discipline and rapid attention. The competition pits the platoons against each other to discover who has become the best at marching and following drill commands.

While he doesn’t consider himself to be the best marcher, Cadet Liam Clare, University of Scranton, has faith and confidence in his Company.

“I’m not the best at marching,” Clare said. “I don’t have the best direction, but I know I’m confident in what I’m doing, and I’ll always try regardless.”

Even though Clare comes from a Military background, it was an encounter with an MS4 Cadet that influenced him to join the Army ROTC. Clare was on a run with a few of his friends and some ROTC Cadets, when they were invited to come to physical training.

“That kind of family bond just kind of molded into ‘this is something I want to do’,” he said. “It forged a lot of new relationships for me. After seeing what a great role model they are and how they act towards each other, that brotherhood is just something I wouldn’t trade.”

With only one person from his battalion here at CST, Clare has spent a lot of time getting to know new people, learning from them along the way.

Clare believes that it is through the connections we make that we are able to grow and improve.

“It’s really interesting to work with a group of people you’ve never met because you have to learn about them,” he said. “Learn their strengths and weaknesses and find out where you can apply that.”

While marching is not for everyone, Cadet Jeanine Osborne, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, believes practice makes perfect.

“I know some of us are struggling to hang in there because it’s the end of camp and we’re all kind of tired and marching isn’t for everybody,” Osborne said. “We’re all just trying to stick it out until we’re done but do my best for the platoon and try.”

It is kindness and patience that has guided Osborne along the way.

“Just be kind to and respect one another,” she said. “I think that sometimes we lack that and we’re very quick to judge and complain, but we understand which days are good and bad, and when we need to have a better morale overall.”

When she first arrived at Basic Camp, Osborne and her team struggled to work together and adjust to life at CST, but overtime, they have come together and supported one another.

“As we got more into teamwork situations, we just became very supportive of one another,” Osborne said. “There were definitely bumps and stuff we had to work around, but that’s how teams are.”

Despite the challenges in the beginning, Osborne says that camp would have been hard without the friends she has made along the way.

“It can feel very isolating at times,” she said. “Especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Since we’re all here to learn and be better, just make friends and don’t get into your head.”